Tag: Bengaluru

PM Modi in Bengaluru today: Here is a complete list of routes to avoid

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bengaluru on Saturday afternoon, the city police have issued a traffic advisory to avoid congestion, enhance security during the VVIP movement and ensure a smooth flow of traffic for commuters.

The traffic restrictions in Karnataka‘s capital city will remain in place between 1 pm and 7 pm.

“Because of VVIP visiting Bengaluru City on 20.04.2024, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm parking of all types of vehicles on the following roads, is prohibited. During the said period commuters are advised to avoid following roads and use alternative routes,” read the police advisory.

Here’s a complete list of roads to avoid during the day:

Palace Road.
M V Jayaram Road.
Vasanthanagar Road.
Jayamahal Road.
C Raman Road.
Bellary Road.
Ramanamaharshi Road.
Nandidurga Road.
Tharalabalu Road.
Mount Carmel College Road.
From Mekhri Circle towards Yeshwanthpura.

The city police also imposed restrictions on heavy goods vehicles between 12 pm to 9 pm. “Traffic movement heavy goods vehicles are strictly prohibited from 12 pm to 9 pm to enter the city,” the advisory stated.

These are the traffic diversion points for heavy goods vehicles — CMTI Junction, Mysuru Bank Junction, Hebbal Junction, New BEL Junction, BHEL Under Pass, Basaveshwara Circle, Old Udaya TV Junction and Haj Camp, and Nandidurga Road.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Bengaluru city and neighbouring Chikkaballapura district today to campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The North, South and Central constituencies of Bengaluru have been a stronghold of the BJP, and the Bengaluru Rural seat is represented by Congress’ DK Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Fourteen  Lok Sabha segments in the southern part of the state will be voting for in the second phase of the elections on April 26. Voting for the remaining 14 seats in the northern districts will be held on May 7. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Rameshwaram Cafe blast: Kolkata court grants NIA 3-day transit remand of key accused

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Kolkata court on Friday, April 12, granted a three-day transit remand to the two key accused arrested in the Bengaluru cafe blast case, allowing the NIA to take them to the Karnataka capital for further investigation. The chief judge of the city sessions court granted the transit remand to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following a prayer by the agency.

The investigative agency apprehended two key suspects, including the alleged mastermind, in the investigation of the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, earlier in the day. The accused, Adbul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, were arrested from a hotel in Purba Medinipur district’s seaside tourist town Digha, around 190 km from Kolkata, the NIA said.

The arrested individuals were reportedly hiding in the vicinity of Kolkata under assumed identities. Taahaa is believed to have orchestrated the planning and execution of the blast, while Shazib is accused of placing the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe in Bengaluru.

This development triggered a heated exchange between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with each party blaming the other for various aspects of the incident. While the BJP alleged that the TMC has turned West Bengal into a “safe haven for terrorists”, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the accused were arrested due to the state police’s prompt action.

The officials said, “this pursuit was supported by coordinated action and cooperation among the NIA, central intelligence agencies and the state police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala”.

The Rameshwaram Cafe, situated on ITPL Road in Brookefield, Bengaluru, was rocked by an IED explosion on March 1, resulting in injuries to several customers and staff members and causing extensive property damage. The NIA took over the investigation on March 3 and had announced a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of Taahaa and Shazib.

Subsequent to the arrests, BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the TMC, accusing it of fostering an environment conducive to terrorism in West Bengal. In contrast, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attributed the swift arrests to the prompt action taken by the state police.

“NIA detains two chief suspects in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, bomber Mussavir Hussain Shazib and accomplice Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa, from Kolkata. Both likely belong to ISIS cell in Shivamogga, Karnataka. West Bengal, unfortunately, under Mamata Banerjee, has become a safe haven for terrorists,” Malviya said in a post on X. Addressing a rally in Cooch Behar, Chief Minister Banerjee accused the BJP of spreading canards against the state.

She said, “Heard one BJP leader saying that Bengal is not safe. The accused were arrested within two hours following a prompt response by police. What about the states where you are in power?”

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh also countered Malviya and said the accused were arrested with the help of West Bengal Police. “Well done @WBPolice in connection with the Bengaluru-cafe blast arrest. Even @NIA_India has acknowledged it in their statements. Any anti-forces should be strictly dealt with. But let me ask to @BJP4India and their minions – where is this arrests made from? KANTHI. We all know which family and BJP’s main leader runs illegal activities from Contai,” Ghosh said in a post on X without naming anyone.

Kanthi or Contai is considered to be the stronghold of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and his family. Ghosh requested the state agencies to investigate the “family’s alleged role in the incident”.

West Bengal Police also termed the BJP’s claims “falsehood”. “WEST BENGAL POLICE EXPOSES LIES OF BJP & THEIR CHEAP TROLLS. Falsehood at its worst! Contrary to the claims made by @amitmalviya, the fact is that, two suspects in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case have been arrested from Purba Medinipur in a JOINT operation by the West Bengal Police and the Central Intelligence Agencies. The proactive role of WBP in the matter has been officially acknowledged by the Central Agencies,” West Bengal Police posted on X.

It said the state has never been a safe haven for terrorists and it will continue to remain ever-vigilant to keep its people safe.

With inputs from PTI.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

NIA arrests two accused, including mastermind, in Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe blast case

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday, April 12, arrested two accused, including the mastermind, in Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe blast case, officials said. Mussavir Hussain Shazib and Adbul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa were traced to their hideout near Kolkata and apprehended by an NIA team, they said.

Shazib was the one who placed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the cafe and Taahaa was the mastermind behind the planning and execution of the blast, the officials said.

“In the morning hours of April 12, 2024, NIA was successful in tracing the absconding accused near Kolkata where they were hiding under false identities,” an official said.

This pursuit was supported by coordinated action and cooperation among the NIA, central intelligence agencies and the state police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala, the official added.

The NIA had in March announced a reward of ₹10 lakh each for information leading to the arrest of these two accused. An IED explosion rocked the cafe located on ITPL Road, Brookefield, Bengaluru, on March 1.

The NIA took over the probe on March 3.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Brigade Enterprises forecasts 15% rental growth in stable Bengaluru market

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Bengaluru-based Brigade Enterprises stated that rental prices in the Bengaluru market have remained steady, with a consistent 5% increase each year.

Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director of Brigade Enterprises, stated in an interview with CNBC-TV18 that they anticipate a 15% rise in rental rates over the next three years, projecting the future value of rentals.

The company aims to reach approximately ₹700 crore in rental income by the end of this year, covering both office and retail properties in its portfolio.

Shankar mentioned that when talking more about the Bengaluru market, she noted that it’s very robust. She explained that in real estate, there are currently very strong performances across most sectors, including residential housing, hospitality, and retail. Shankar also pointed out that retail sales and sales volume are exceptionally good. Additionally, she observed that the office market has been quite strong and able to withstand challenges.

On April 3, the company notified the stock exchanges about a partnership with United Oxygen to construct a 3 million square feet office complex in Bengaluru. This project is anticipated to produce a total development value of approximately ₹340 crore.

Also Read | Brigade Enterprises expects property prices in Bengaluru to remain firm, will stay away from Mumbai market

Speaking more about this new project, Shankar said, “This is a joint development project in Whitefield in east Bengaluru, which is one of the very good markets for office absorption in the city. Bengaluru as well has been doing extremely well from an office absorption perspective.”

The market capitalisation of Brigade Enterprises is around ₹21,816.87 crore. Its shares have gained close to 101% in the past year.

For the entire interview, watch the accompanying video

Catch all the latest updates from the stock market here

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Bengaluru water board to reduce supply by 10% for users consuming over 40 lakh litres per month

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has decided to reduce the supply of water by 10 percent for users consuming between 40 lakh and 2 crore litres per day starting from April 10. In March, BWSSB had already declared a 20 percent reduction in water supply for 38 bulk users consuming over 2 crore litres per day.

On April 1, BWSSB chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar chaired a meeting with bulk users to endorse the five principles of the ‘Green Star Challenge’ — promoting water conservation technologies, increasing utilisation of treated water, deploying technology for borewell monitoring, excavating rainwater harvesting pits, and fostering awareness.

“There is no water scarcity in the city. The temporary shortage is due to depleted groundwater caused by inadequate rainfall, and it can be managed effectively by exercising water prudence,” Manohar said.

He said BWSSB is implementing various measures to address this issue. “A meeting has already been conducted with 133 major builders, advising them to utilise treated water. We are also raising awareness about water conservation methods, including prudent watering practices, installation of aerators to reduce water consumption, reusing water in washing machines, minimising water usage in flushing toilets, and advocating for the utilisation of treated water for cleaning, construction, gardening as well as promoting increased usage of recycled water.”

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Unsold homes in 9 cities down 7% in last 3 months, 12% fall in NCR: Report

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Unsold housing inventories fell 7% in the last three months across 9 major cities to around 4.81 lakh units on higher sales than new supply, according to PropEquity.

Real estate data analytic firm PropEquity data showed that unsold housing stock has come down to 4,81,566 units at the end of March this year from 5,18,868 units at the end of December 2023 across 9 major cities.

These cities are Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Delhi-NCR (Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad), Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Kolkata.

PropEquity founder and Managing Director (MD) Samir Jasuja said the unsold housing stocks have declined as “sales are surpassing the new launches which is a positive indicator for the market”.

During the January-March period of 2024, housing sales across 9 major cities stood at 1,44,656 units while the new launches were 1,05,134 units. This led to a reduction in the unsold stocks.

As per the data, Pune saw a maximum 13% fall in the unsold housing stocks to 65,788 units at the end of this month from 75,521 units at the end of December 2023. In Delhi-NCR, the unsold inventories have come down 12% to 27,959 units from 31,602 units.

According to PropEquity, the unsold stock in Mumbai fell 11 per cent to 48,399 units from 54,633 units. In Navi Mumbai, the unsold inventories declined 11% to 33,385 units from 37,597 units. Thane witnessed a fall of 5% in unsold housing stocks to 1,06,565 units from 1,12,397 units.

Unsold housing stocks in Bengaluru have come down 5% to 44,837 units from 47,370 units. Hyderabad witnessed a 4% fall in unsold stocks to 1,10,425 units from 1,14,861 units. In Kolkata, the fall in unsold housing stocks was 2% to 23,249 units from 23,745 units.

As per the data, the Chennai market witnessed a marginal decline of 1% in unsold homes to 20,959 units this quarter from 21,142 units at the end of December last year. P E Analytics owns and operates PropEquity, which is an online real estate data and analytics platform covering over 1,50,000 projects of 45,000 developers across 44 cities.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Mahindra Lifespace Developers acquires 2 acre land at Whitefield, Bengaluru

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Mahindra Lifespace Developers on Wednesday, March 27, said it has acquired 2 acre land at Whitefiled in east Bengaluru. The land has a developing potential of around 0.2 million square feet of saleable area and a gross development value of approximately ₹225 crore, which will mainly comprise mid-premium residential apartments.

The company’s managing director and CEO Amit Kumar Sinha said the acquisition marks another significant step in the firm’s strategy of expanding its footprint in key micro markets. “The city’s strong market potential makes it a strategic choice for our continued growth,” he said.

The location offers seamless connectivity to commercial offices and tech parks and social infrastructure including healthcare facilities, education institutes and retail options, the company said in a stock exchange filing. It added that the neighbourhood has premium residential communities, educational institutions, shopping malls and a plethora of entertainment venues.

Earlier this month as well, the company had acquired 9.4 acre land at Whitefield, Bengaluru.  In a press statement, the company said the land will have 1.2 million square feet of FSI potential and a gross development value of ₹1,700 crore. It will primarily comrpise mid-premium residential apartments. acquired 9.4 acre land at Whitefield, Bengaluru.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers shares ended 2.84% higher at ₹569 apiece on Wednesday, March 27. The stock has gained 73.5% in the past year.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Bengaluru water crisis: Traffic islands, medians go dry in the ‘garden city’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Amid a severe water crisis in Bengaluru, the contractors tasked with maintaining the plants on traffic islands, medians and circles in the city are faced with tough times. Grappling with the challenges of keeping these plants alive, they are unable to meet the required demand for water, officials said.

One can easily find bougainvillaeas and marigolds across most of the traffic islands, medians, and circles in Karnataka’s capital city. “During summers, these plants require double the usual amount of water. However, our ability to meet this demand is hampered by acute water shortage,” The Times of India quoted a senior official from BBMP’s horticulture department as saying.

However, authorities are unable to meet the required demands at the moment.

The official said they were “working tirelessly to provide a weekly dose of water to horticulture plants spread across the city”.

Due to the water crisis, contractors are facing losses regularly.

A contractor informed the national daily that borewells in Bengaluru have dried up. As a result, they are forced to rely on distant sewage treatment plants (STPs) for treated water.

“This, coupled with rising diesel prices, has made the task even more challenging,” the contractor said.

As per the report, there are around 10 contractors involved in watering the plants in Bengaluru city.

Another one stated that earlier they used to water these green spaces daily, but now this has come down to once every three days.

“Fewer trips mean losses for us and we are losing ₹1 lakh every month,” the contractor said.

Meanwhile, Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, maintained by the horticulture department, earlier used to get 15 lakh litres of treated water daily for the maintenance of trees.

However, the water levels in the borewells within these gardens have gone down drastically.

Speaking with The Hindu, M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director (Parks and Gardens), Horticulture Department, said that irrespective of how many times they water these trees and plants, the soil immediately dries up due to the scorching heat. “This has caused some withering. This concern can only be addressed by rains,” the official added.

Recently, a survey from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) highlighted that Bengaluru’s urbanised area has expanded by 1055% since 1973.

From a mere 8%, it has gone up to 93.3% in 2023, it stated. This means that the city only has around 7% of the green cover left.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Puravankara launches residential project ‘Purva Kensho Hills’ in Bengaluru

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Puravankara on Saturday, March 23, said it has launched a residential project ‘Purva Kensho Hills’ at Medahalli, Sarjapura in Bengaluru.

The project is registered with Karnataka RERA.

Earlier this year,  it was reported that the Bengaluru-based real estate developer Puravankara is eyeing a bigger share of the Mumbai redevelopment market with an aim to increase the contribution of the Western parts of India to 50% of overall business from 10-12% now.

Abhishek Kapoor, the company’s Group CEO, told CNBC-TV18 that the Mumbai redevelopment opportunity is massive, with gross development value (GDV) estimated to be in excess of ₹3 lakh crore over the next 7-10 years.

Puravankara’s revenue grew 46% year-on-year (YoY) to ₹574 crore for the October-December quarter. Net profit surged to ₹79 crore from ₹23 crore. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 79% to ₹199 crore with margin at 34.7% versus 28.3% YoY.

Sales value in the third quarter this year was up 56% year-on-year (YoY) at ₹1,241 crore. Sales volume rose 60% to 1.63 million square foot (msf) from 1.02msf last year. Average price realisation declined 2% to ₹7,610 per square feet in Q3FY24 from last year.

Puravanka shares ended 4.26% higher at ₹214.2 apiece on Friday, March 22. The stock has gained 187.9% in the past year.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Bengaluru water crisis: Hotels, resorts to host rain dance, pool parties during Holi 2024

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As a severe water crisis continues to grip Bengaluru, hotels and resorts in the city are planning to host pool parties and rain dances for the parched citizens on the occasion of Holi. The Bengaluru page of BookMyShow features a list of upcoming major Holi parties in the city, while several of them are offering access to the pools accompanied by food, drinks and DJ music with ticket prices starting at just ₹49, Moneycontrol reported.

In Bengaluru’s Electronic City, the Meenakshi Resort is offering the “biggest pool access” and rain dance, starting from 11 am to 6 pm on March 24-25, as part of its “Rangila Utsav”. Touted to be Bengaluru’s biggest Holi party, the ticket prices start at ₹99 on the online platform.

Another one is Hotel Leroy Grand in Yashwanthpur, hosting the “only rooftop open-air pool party” in Bengaluru. The event, named ‘Holigram pool party’, starts on March 23 and will go on until March 26. The tickets for this event also start from ₹99.

The Lago Palms Resort in Bettadasanapura will be hosting “Desi Holi Vol 08 – Open Air – Pool Holi Festival” from March 23 to 25. The event also offers a “huge rain dance zone” and a pool party, with ticket prices starting at ₹199.

With “free unlimited colours and rain dance” on offer, the Aloft Hotel in the Whitefield area will be organising the “biggest” Holi festival from March 23. The ticket prices for this event start from ₹49.

In Whitefield, another hotel, named Radha Hometel, will hold a pre-Holi party with “free colours and rain dance set up” from March 24-25. Tickets for this event start from ₹99.

Meanwhile, several other hotels and resorts in the city have come up with dry Holi parties this year, with a major focus on food, drinks, colours and music.

This comes at a time when several reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water plants, set up by the civic body in the city, have become inoperative, while other private RO drinking water plants are closed due to unavailability of water, The Hindu reported.

A lot of these RO plants draw water from nearby borewells that have either gone dry or water levels have depleted.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has set up more than 600 water plants in the city to offer subsidised drinking water to the locals — starting from 20 litres of water for just ₹5.

On Thursday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar claimed that “there is no water crisis” in Bengaluru. “As far as Bengaluru goes, there is no water crisis… Around 7,000 borewells have dried up. We have made arrangements for all that. We have taken over tankers. We have identified the water sources. We will see that water is supplied,” he said.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow